Swing cage

ABSTRACT

This is golf exercise equipment that will allow users to tone muscles in the torso and lower body while maintaining form during a golf swing, reinforcing movements that can be carried on the golf course for play. The equipment is free standing with circular arms called gauges that form the base attached to a vertically angled structure called the barrel from the center of the base to bisect at the center of circular structure called the hip gauge located at the height of a user&#39;s hips, bisecting at the center of circular structure called the shoulder gauge located at the user&#39;s shoulders and continues at an angle above the user&#39;s head with an attachment called the head gauge. The golfer sets up his posture inside the equipment adjusting the gauges and supports to his stance, hips, shoulders and head. As the user turns his hips and shoulders the supports restrict lateral movement keeping the body in alignment until finish providing resistance during turning. The user will tone muscles while improving flexibility in the upper body also increasing stability in the legs to enhance a more consistent golf swing and increase power and accuracy in golf shots. There will be a junior version with less resistance for children.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many golfers including myself have encountered problems with swayinghips and the lifting of the head while swinging a golf club. Some of themost common complaints of older golfers is back problems due to poormuscle toning and inaccurate ball flight. Most golfers want to increasedistance and accuracy. My invention is designed to reinforce movementsthat will help to overcome these challenges, toning muscles, addingpower and accuracy to golf shots.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment.Specifically, this invention relates to golfing exercise equipmentwhereby users will tone muscles in the torso and lower body, restrictthe lateral movements of the right hip and foot during the transfer ofweight on the back swing and maintain a stable left leg during thetransfer of weight on the downswing. The equipment is symmetricalallowing for golfers who swing on the opposite side and encourages morerelaxed muscles in the hands and arms due to the emphasis on the coremuscles. This equipment will improve flexibility in the upper body andstability in the lower body during the golf swing thereby increasingpower and accuracy to golf shots.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Numerous devices for aiding the swing of a golfer have been provided inthe prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particularpurpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for thepurposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for aiding golfersto build stronger muscles in the torso and lower body while maintainingform during the golf swing thereby reinforcing movements which can becarried on to the golf course to enhance play.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a device fortoning the muscles in the torso and lower body.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device forimproving flexibility by enhancing a fuller torso rotation during thegolf swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device toprevent swaying hips during the backswing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device toencourage a more athletic form in the user's set up and throughout thegolf swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device toenhance the transfer of weight to the back leg during the backswing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device forimproving stability of the lower body during the golf swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device thathelps to limit the movement of the body in an upward or downward mannerduring the golf swing.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described for improvement and safety of theuse of the equipment within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 represents a frontal view of the equipment showing the mainbarrel 2,3,4 and 5 attached to the gauges for the head 1, shoulders 8,hip 7 and feet 6. There is a device 31 in the barrel that can tilt leftor right to support a slightly tilted spine for the swing. Supports thatare attached to the gauge to align the user's feet 9, hips 10 andshoulders 11. The supports have extensions 17, 15 and 16 to adjust tothe width of the user's stance, hips and shoulders respectively. Thefoot supports 9 have slightly raised outer sides to improve stabilityduring use. Rotating devices 21, 22 are located in the main barrel toallow the upper section to rotate as the user turns his shoulder.Resistance 19 for the upper section and the hip 18 is represented. Thehip height adjuster 14 is indicated where the middle section isconnected to the base to adjust the hip gauge 7 to the height of theuser's hips. The shoulder height adjuster 13 is noted for adjustingheight to the user's shoulder. The head gauge can be adjusted 12 to theuser's height. The spine angle 20 can be adjusted to enhance an athleticspine angle of the golfer. The equipment can be secured to the ground bybolts inserted at positions 23 and 24.

FIG. 2 gives a side view of the equipment indicating adjustable partslocated in the middle and upper sections of the equipment. The shoulderheight adjuster 25 is indicated to increase height to the user'sshoulders. The adjusters for resistance in shoulder 28 and hips 26 areindicated in addition to a hip height adjustment lever 27. The spineangle 20 of the upper section can be adjusted to encourage an athleticposture of the user.

FIG. 3 shows the base of the equipment. This includes the foot gauge 6attached to the main barrel 5. The hip height adjuster is located in themain barrel 14. The foot support 9 with raised outer sides 29 andadjustments for the foot support 17 is also noted.

FIG. 4 indicates the middle section of the equipment. The main barrel 4with the hip height extension is indicated. Rotating device 22facilitates the turning of the shoulder gauge as the user turns hisshoulders. The spine adjuster 20 is shown which will allow the user tomake slight adjustments to the angle of the upper section to favor anathletic posture. Resistance 19 for the shoulder gauge is also attachedto the main barrel. FIG. 4 also indicates the hip gauge with resistance18 and supports 10 that can be adjusted and locked 15. Additionallytracks 32 are located on the inside of either sides of the hip gauge tofacilitate the movement of the hip support in use. There is a tiltingdevice 31 where users can adjust to the left or right to facilitate ahip tilt or maintain a level position.

FIG. 5 represents the upper section of the equipment with head gauge 1and adjuster for the head support 12 attached to the main barrel 2. Alsoindicated in this figure, are the shoulder supports 11 attached to theshoulder gauge 8, and shoulder height extensions 13 in the main barrel.The shoulder supports can be extended 16 to fit to the width of theuser's shoulder. Rotating device 21 is also indicated to allow forshoulder rotation during the golf swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of equipment for strength training and developingmany parts of the golf swing, but one that tones muscles in the torsoand lower body and provides a visual gauge to maintain form whilepracticing the golf swing is a new concept. Other features that are newto this equipment are:—

-   -   1. The exercise equipment will help users to practice the golf        swing inside an angular frame called the barrel with circular        arms called the foot gauge, hip gauge and shoulder gauge which        is adjusted to the width of their stance, hips and shoulders        respectively, preventing any lateral movement of the hips and        shoulders as they rotate.    -   2. Resistance attached to the hip and shoulder gauges will help        build muscles in the glutes, thigh, calves, feet, back,        shoulders and chest. The user can increase resistance by        adjusting the tensions in the resistance.    -   3. The equipment will improve flexibility as the user turns his        hips and shoulders due to the resistance placed on the gauges.    -   4. The foot support attached to the base of the equipment which        is arched at the sides, will help improve stability in the right        foot as the user rotates the upper body in the backswing, and        increase stability in the left foot as the upper body is rotated        on the follow through to finish.    -   5. The exercise equipment will help users recognize any vertical        movement of the head before the finish due to the head gauge        located at the top of the main barrel of the equipment.    -   6. The equipment will impede lateral movements of the hip and        shoulders during the golf swing since the adjustable supports        located on the inside of the gauges will fit to the user's hips        and shoulders encouraging rotational movement.    -   7. The equipment is adjustable to the height of the user.        Adjustments can be made to the main barrel above the base and        hip gauges of up to 6 inches per adjustment. The device can also        be separated in three parts namely the base, middle and upper        sections.    -   8. The equipment will facilitate users to lock the hip supports        to limit hip rotation during shorter swings such as putting and        chipping.    -   9. This device will allow users to tilt their hips and spine to        the right or left in their stance encouraging their head to be        slightly behind the ball during play.        Materials

The equipment will be made from metal hollow section covered with foam,and plastic on various parts of the equipment. The base will be made ofheavier materials for stability. The middle and upper sections will bemade of lighter materials to facilitate adjustments and movement.

The height is adjustable from a height of 5 ft to 6 ft and 6 ins. Thejunior version will be made from plastic which can be adjusted from theheight of 3 ft to 5 ft. The following measurements are approximated andwill be more specific to fulfill its purpose on the completion of a moretechnically constructed prototype:—

Main Barrel

The main barrel will be made of 2-3 inch tubing but due to the liftingdevices and various adjusters to be placed inside the diameter may vary.The main barrel attached to the foot gauge will be 18 inches tall andangled at 90 degrees. The middle section of the main barrel will be 30inches long and continues at an angle of 95 degrees but can be angled at115 degrees more or less above the hip gauge.

Gauges

The foot gauge will be made from metal tubing with plastic caps at theend and in the form of a semi-circle. The hip gauge will be made frommetal tubing in the form of a semi-circle. The shoulder gauge will bemade from plastic or metal tubing. The head gauge will be circular andmade from plastic covered with foam.

Supports

The foot supports will be made from a metal base coated with rubberarching upwards on either side. Each support will be attached to eithersides of the floor of the foot gauge metal extensions. The hip andshoulder supports will be made from metal sheet padded with texturedfoam.

Operational Devices

Resistance

Hydraulic resistance or any other that favors a circular motion will beadded to the barrel of the hip gauge with the hip supports attached,working independently when pushed towards the main barrel. The hipresistance should vary from 0 to 50 lbs on each side with an adjusterlocated at the back of the middle section of the main barrel. Theshoulder resistance will be attached from the main barrel above rotatingdisc to the hip gauge or placed at the most favorable location. Theresistance should vary from 0 to 25 lbs with an independent adjusterlocated at the back of the middle section of the main barrel. Springs orany other suitable device can be used.

Rotating Device

A rotating device such as a bearing will be placed 3 inches above thehip gauge and placed in the main barrel of the equipment to facilitatethe turning of the upper section.

Locks

There will also be a locking device for locking the middle and uppersections in place when setting up the equipment. Also, there will be alock on the hip supports to limit hip rotation during putting practiceetc.

Tilting Device

There be a device located inside the main barrel that can be locked intoposition and allows for a tilt upwards of the hip gauge and uppersections. This device should allow for left side or right side tiltsonly, encouraging a slight tilt in the golfer's stance. Users can alsoadjust to maintain a level position for a modern swing.

Lifting Device

To adjust the height of the hip and shoulder gauges to the user's bodythere will be a hydraulic device inside of the main barrel located abovethe base of the main barrel to be operated by the user's foot. Anotherlifting device will be placed in the main barrel in the middle section 9inches above the hip gauge to be operated by the user's hand in the backof the barrel.

How to Setup and Use the Equipment

An instruction booklet will be included which will include the followinginstructions:—

Setup

There will be three sections to this equipment. These include the base,middle and upper sections. Secure the base to the ground then place themiddle section in the main barrel of the equipment then lock in place.Next, place the upper section in the main barrel of the middle section,lock in place and unlock the rotating parts.

Use of Equipment

Place feet inside the foot supports located on either side of the footgauge. Align height to hip and shoulder gauges by adjusting the hipheight adjuster. Adjust the hip and shoulder supports located on theinside of either sides of the gauge to the user's width. Adjust headsupport to the user's height. Adjustments should be comfortable for userto prevent injury. Users should not use excess tension when starting asthis can cause injury.

Exercises

Users can do 20 sets of 3 repetitions for exercise starting slowly thenbuilding momentum as they do more repetitions.

Backswing

Start with a ready stance. Place hands at the hips with abdominalmuscles in. Slowly turn the hips to the right side pushing the hip gaugeas the shoulder starts rotating in the shoulder gauge. Keep the leftfoot on the ground as you turn hips pushing the hip support in the gaugeas you turn. You should feel the muscles in the inner thigh, rightbuttocks and inside the right foot while turning. The backswing iscompleted when the hip support has completed turn.

Downswing and Finish

After completing the back swing start turning the hips to the left sidekeeping the head aligned with the head gage until finish. The downswingand finish is completed when hips support has turned completely.

Other Uses of the Equipment

Users can practice with or without their clubs in the equipment and canuse shorter shoulder movements for a putting stroke practice.

Additionally, users can use this equipment for a good fitness workout.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A sports apparatus, comprising: a main barrel; afirst arm coupled to the main barrel, wherein the first arm includes afirst pair of supports; and a second arm coupled to the main barrel,wherein the second arm includes a second pair of supports.
 22. Thesports apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a third armcoupled to the main barrel, wherein the third arm includes a third pairof supports.
 23. The sports apparatus according to claim 22, furthercomprising a fourth arm coupled to the main barrel.
 24. The sportsapparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the first andsecond arms defines an arcuate body.
 25. The sports apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein at least one of the first pair of supports ismovable with respect to the first arm.
 26. The sports apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein the main barrel includes a first portionand a second portion, wherein the first portion is movable with respectto the second portion.
 27. The sports apparatus according to claim 26,wherein the first portion is movable with respect to the second portionabout at least two axes of motion.
 28. The sports apparatus according toclaim 26, further comprising a resistance element coupled to the firstand second portions of the main barrel.
 29. The sports apparatusaccording to claim 21, further comprising a resistance element disposedbetween at least one of the first pair of supports and the first arm.30. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising aresistance element coupled to the main barrel and the first arm.
 31. Asports apparatus, comprising: a main barrel, wherein the main barrelincludes a base section, a middle section, and an upper section; a firstarm coupled to the base section, wherein the first arm includes a firstpair of supports positionable about a foot portion of a user; a secondarm coupled to the middle section, wherein the second arm includes asecond pair of supports positionable about a hip portion of a user; anda third arm coupled to the upper section, wherein the third arm includesa third pair of supports positionable about a shoulder portion of auser.
 32. The sports apparatus according to claim 31, further comprisinga fourth arm positionable about a head portion of a user.
 33. The sportsapparatus according to claim 31, wherein middle section is movable withrespect to the base section.
 34. The sports apparatus according to claim33, wherein upper section is movable with respect to the middle section.35. The sports apparatus according to claim 30, wherein at least one ofthe second pair of supports is movable with respect to the second arm.36. The sports apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising aresistance element disposed between at least one of the second pair ofsupports and the second arm.
 37. The sports apparatus according to claim30, further comprising a resistance element disposed between the secondarm and the main barrel.
 38. The sports apparatus according to claim 31,wherein at least one of the first, second and third arms defines anarcuate body.
 39. A sports apparatus, comprising: a main barrel, whereinthe main barrel includes a base section, a middle section, and an uppersection; a first arm coupled to the base section, wherein the first armincludes a first pair of supports positionable about a foot portion of auser; a second arm coupled to the middle section, wherein the second armincludes a second pair of supports positionable about a hip portion of auser; a third arm coupled to the upper section, wherein the third armincludes a third pair of supports positionable about a shoulder portionof a user; a first resistance element disposed between at least one ofthe second pair of supports and the second arm; a second resistanceelement disposed between the second arm and the main barrel; and a thirdsecond resistance element disposed between the upper section and themiddle section.
 40. The sports apparatus according to claim 39, furthercomprising a fourth arm positionable about a head portion of a user.